New Education Initiative to Support Sudanese Schools and Ensure Learning Continuity for Nearly Four Million Children

WASHINGTON, November 21, 2024 - A new World Bank-supported program aims to ensure educational continuity for nearly four million students across Sudan.

Since the conflict started in Sudan in April 2023, over 11 million people have been forced to leave their homes and seek safety within Sudan and in neighboring countries. According to the United Nations, Sudan now holds the record for the largest population of internally displaced persons and the most significant child displacement crisis globally. The conflict has severely disrupted the education of a large number of children as schools have been destroyed or repurposed for emergency shelters and teachers have gone unpaid. Despite these challenges, in areas where the conflict has abated, a big number of schools have reopened, with further announcements to reopen schools in other states.

The Sudan Primary Education Emergency Support project ($41.9 million), funded by the Global Partnership for Education and implemented by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), seeks to address the multifaceted challenges facing the education sector. The initiative aims to support the operation of 3,000 schools in Sudan through school grants to improve learning environments and planning. It also seeks to ensure learning continuity for nearly four million primary school-age children by mitigating learning loss and supporting socio-emotional wellness with remedial programs and enhanced remote learning. Special focus is on improving school management capacities and supporting vulnerable children, especially girls and displaced children.

"There is an urgent need for direct support to children. The project is aligned with the World Bank Strategy for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence (FCV) 2020-2025 of remaining engaged to protect human capital gains, maintain service delivery, and ensure institutional capacity. It will complement and leverage other relevant ongoing projects supported by the World Bank and development partners in the education and human development sectors," said Yoichiro Ishihara, World Bank Country Manager for Sudan.

The World Bank is committed to staying engaged in Sudan and to continue to support the wellbeing of the people of Sudan. In April 2024, the World Bank approved the Sudan Somoud - Enhancing Community Resilience Project ($130 million) funded by the Sudan Transition and Recovery Support (STARS) Multi-Donor Trust Fund to support community resilience and basic services. Building on the Sudan Somoud Project, there is an urgent need to preserve the education system in Sudan and ensure learning continuity for children across the country.

"This project represents a critical intervention to support Sudan's education system during challenging times. By providing necessary resources and support, it aims to ensure that children can continue their education and build a better future for themselves and their country," said Mari Shojo, World Bank Senior Education Specialist and Task Team Leader.